Zukhra

Y. Zukhra is 31 years old. She is a widow with 4 children. Zukhra has a tailoring business at her home. Her business involves sewing clothing for women and children. Her workmanship is very good, and she has a good eye for design. She is very organized, with a good head for business. She has had this business for 15 years, and this is her second loan from IMON International. With her loan, Zukhra is planning to purchase a new sewing machine. Help this family improve the quality of their life by contributing to the growth of Zukhra’s business. They will sincerely thank you for it.

Tajikistan:

Tajikistan is perhaps best known for its rich history and diverse culture, which is a complex mixture of the Islamic faith, Soviet influence, New West culture, and Central Asian traditions. It served as a key post along the Silk Road and marked the end of Alexander the Great's extensive rule. It was the birthplace of the great Persian poet Rudaki and famous Islamic philosopher Ibn Sina. And it is home to epic mountain passes, communities that still speak the ancient Sogdian language, and a civilization that dates back to the 4th millennium BC.

But Tajikistan is also the poorest of the former Soviet republics. The civil war, which ignited soon after its independence from the U.S.S.R., further damaged the already weak economy. In addition, 93% of the country is mountainous and only 7% of the land is arable. These conditions have resulted in high levels of unemployment and have forced hundreds of thousands to seek work in other countries, mainly Russia. While the people of Tajikistan are working to improve its agricultural production and manufacturing sector, nearly two-thirds of the population still live in abject poverty.

IMON International:

Since December 2007, IMON International has worked closely with Kiva and Kiva lenders to ensure that poor and low-income clients represent a viable business proposition. Funds raised through Kiva have already been distributed to thousands of IMON International's clients and will continue to provide thousands more with permanent access to the varied financial services they need. To learn more about IMON International's work, please visit: www.imon.tj

Additional Information

About IMON International

IMON International (IMON) is a micro-deposit organization in Tajikistan that provides entrepreneurs with access to high quality financial products and services, including business loans, agriculture loans, consumer loans and micro-leases. Aiming to alleviate poverty, the organization helps unbanked individuals establish businesses in different sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture and service. Kiva lenders’ funds will help the organization to expand its outreach to even more entrepreneurs, farmers and traders in Tajikistan.